Primes, assume both as in good shape. 15 rounds 20x20 Ring 10 point must score. To me, this is a case of a more accomplished and more popular heavyweight vs. a better head to head heavyweight. How would it have played out?
two of the best in fighters in heavyweight history. IMO Bowe takes the first few rounds as Frazier starts slow. But Frazier starts coming strong afterwards. Bowe cannot avoid Frazier's left hook like Foreman did. Remember Foreman partially blocked or dodged the vast majority of Frazier's left hooks, thus taking away his main weapon. Frazier starts coming strong, starts working the body. Bowe's willingness to fight inside starts working against him as he takes a body beating. Bowe has great stamina so he pushes on. Bowe has his moments but as the fight continues, Frazier starts landing clean left hooks to Bowe's head, staggering him in the process. Frazier close UD 15.
Folks should watch Bowe vs Buster Mathis Jr. I am in no way saying that Buster was anywhere near as good as Frazier as far as his punching ability but I will say that Buster was pretty damn good at slipping punches/bobbing and weaving like Frazier and he was nearly the exact same size as Frazier. Again, he DID NOT have Frazier punch, heart or toughness but I do think he was solid defensively and folks can get somewhat of a glimpse into what the size difference between Frazier and Bowe would be and how Bowe would handle that bobbing and weaving still that Frazier and Mathis both fought with.
I think Bowe could stop Joe in 5 or 6. Maybe sooner because Joe had a tendency to get caught in the 2nd round before his engine warmed up. Hate to say it but Riddick had all the tools necessary to stomp out the Smoke. Not every bigger guy could handle Frazier. Most can't. Joe would chase alot of these heavily muscled so called modern sized "sluggers" out of the ring. Right out of the Goddamn ring. Bowe was really good man. When he was focused, believeling in Eddie. He could have conquered the world. Futch would have picked Bowe as well.
I like Frazier here. He hits harder than holyfield, is just as relentless, and you needed to kill him to keep him down. Bowe hits fairly hard but not foreman level and he had terrible defense. This would be a tremendous and brutal fight.
What a see-saw inside fight! Bowe has the style necessary to beat Frazier, and his inside prowess also puts him on another level w/ Joe. However, Joe does have some midsection to target w/ his sizzling body attacks. This would be a brutal non-stop battle. Bowe TKO 10.
The only good fighter Bowe beat is Evander Holyfield. The same guy Michael Moorer beat. it’s not the same as saying “the only good guy Frazier beat was Ali, the same guy Norton beat”.
Bowe would be breathing Smokin Joe Frazier round after round, and in a close fight Riddick wilts, Joe stops him in the 13th round . Honestly he ain't in Frazier"s league
I love this match-up, can actually see a case for either man winning. I give the edge tho to Smokin Joe by tough decision.